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Home > Early Days > Getting Back in Shape after Pregnancy

Getting Back in Shape after Giving Birth

During the 9 months of pregnancy we cannot really gauge how many extra kilos we are accumulating. You can never tell whether the extra fat on your hips is due to pregnancy or to your over-eating. We might be more lenient with ourselves too when it comes to sweets and food. Being already uncomfortable enough with the bump, why not treat ourselves to a nice good portion of cake…

Then once the baby is born, and a few weeks go by, we start noticing that our body is not back to how it was before. Fat that had not been on our hips and arms is now there, our stomachs are flabby and jeans that were fine are now tight. Some simply give in and think that now that they are mothers, its normal to have some extra fat. Others start to worry and start thinking on what to do. If you are one of the latter, here are a few tips that might help:

1. Change your clothes when you wake up in the morning: Remove your pajamas or nightdress and put on a tracksuit at least or some nice clothes if you are planning to go out. This helps you to boost your morale and you’ll be less likely to look for extra food to break up the monotony of the day. Night clothes tend to be comfortably loose fitting, and skillfully hide the blabber which you are trying to lose.

2. Start cutting out on sugar and extra fats: You’re probably at home on maternity or parental leave, and it does get tempting to eat a biscuit every now and then. Knowing that they are there waiting for you in the cupboard does not help at all. One good way to stop this is to not buy them in the first place. So resist the temptation while you are at the supermarket. Stock up on fruit and vegetables instead which are healthier and less fattening.

3. Reduce your portions: Here in Malta we tend to get pressured into ‘eating for two’ while pregnant. Now that you have given birth, there is definitely no need to eat for two. Eat the correct sized portions, and do not exceed it. Limit your snacks between meals too. Make sure that your meals include vegetables and fruit.

4. Breastfeeding helps a lot: It is a known and proven fact that breastfeeding helps you lose weight. Try to keep breastfeeding for at least 6 months, you will surely notice the difference. Breastfeeding also helps your womb to contract back to its proper shape, so you are left with a less protruding tummy.

5. Start daily exercise: You can’t expect to lose weight if you are not even burning what you are eating. Going round the house all day doing housework and being a mummy is not enough. Go for daily walks. Plan your day to include them. Park your car a little further from your destination, go on foot when you need to cover a short distance and try to walk as much as possible. Babies usually like to be taken out for walks in their pram so you’ll both be happy.

6. Find fitness classes close to you and book a term: Prepaying for your fitness classes at the start of the term usually ensures that you keep attending as you will feel guilty every time you want to drop out. Find a good fitness class close to your home, and see that the time you choose is convenient for you. Some classes will let you bring your baby along, others won’t. In that case you need to see that someone can take care of your child for that hour or two.

7. Abs-Abs-Abs: Your stomach will stay flabby unless you work it. Plan a daily 5 minute slot to work at your abs. Do some sit-ups and keep increasing their intensity every day. You will soon see the benefits of this.

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